Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease?
Salt craving can sometimes be caused by a serious underlying medical condition, such as adrenal insufficiency or Bartter's syndrome.
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) can cause a salt craving that's new, persistent and excessive.
Signs and symptoms of Addison's disease include:
- Craving salt
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
Bartter's syndrome
Salt craving can sometimes be a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter's syndrome.
Seek medical attention
You'll likely want to have a doctor evaluate your husband's salt cravings, especially if he has other symptoms. Without a demonstrated sodium-losing cause, such as Addison's disease or Bartter's syndrome, eating too much salt generally isn't good for you because it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.